John Henry Backhaus
Mr. and Mrs. John H. Backhaus John Henry Backhaus, who is engaged in general farming on section 24, Danville township, Worth county, was born in Garnavillo township, Clayton county, Iowa, on the 16th of October, 1869, a son of Carl and Catherine (Walke) Backhaus. The father was born in Germany and came to the United States with his parents in his childhood days, the family home being established near New Orleans, Louisiana, while at a later date they took up their abode in Clayton county, Iowa, where the grandfather purchased government land, on which he built a log house, there beginning life in true pioneer style, the family braving the hardships and privations incident to the settlement of the frontier. The grandfather at once began the development and improvement of his farm, plowing his land with oxen hitched to one of the old-time plows common at that period. The arduous labors which devolved upon him were faithfully performed, however, and the work which he began in pioneer times has been continued by his son and grandson, each in turn becoming a substantial farmer. The grandparents both passed away in Clayton county and Carl Backhaus was married in that county, after which he took up his abode upon the old homestead farm, which continued to be his place of residence until he was called to his final rest. His wife also died upon the farm. Both were members of the German Lutheran church and Mr. Backhaus gave his political support to the democratic party.
John Henry Backhaus remained upon the old homestead farm in Clayton county to the age of twenty-nine years and in his boyhood acquired a district school education. In the summer months he worked in the fields and early acquired practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He has never sought to change his occupation but has always given his attention to general agricultural pursuits and is today the owner of a valuable and highly improved property. After his marriage he removed to Danville township, Worth county, where his father had previously purchased one hundred and ninety-nine acres of land. Upon this place Mr. Backhaus took up his abode and resolutely began the work of developing and cultivating the fields. He has since carried on the farm and has made it one of the valuable properties of Worth county. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climatic conditions here, and his unfaltering industry and sound business judgment are manifest in the success which has come to him.
It was on the 23d of February, 1899, that Mr. Backhaus was united in marriage to Miss Anna Mueller, a daughter of Diedrich Mueller. Mrs. Backhaus was born in Clayton county, Iowa, and they have become the parents of five children, Arno, Alta, Laura, Harland and Harry.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Evangelical church, their membership being in Manly. There have been no spectacular phases in the life record of Mr. Backhaus, but he has that persistency of purpose which has enabled him to overcome obstacles and difficulties that are features of every business career and work his way steadily upward to success, for he is now numbered among the representative and substantial farmers of Danville township, Worth county.
SOURCE: HISTORY OF MITCHELL AND WORTH COUNTIES, IOWA, 1918, VOL. II; Pages 524 - 527
Transcribed by Gordon Felland, Augsut 14, 2006